Book description
A revelatory journey from the tin mines of Cornwall to the gold mountains of Georgia in search of the substances which have both shaped our imagination and imperilled our very existence.The discovery of minerals beneath our feet has transformed our species. Ochre first prompted humans to express themselves in art; tin and copper helped instigate the Bronze Age and later the Industrial Revolution; silver kick-started the engines of global trade. Each of these substances generated a leap forward in technology, each one opened the imagination a little further - and each one brought with it a cache of unexpected dangers.Under A Metal Sky begins and ends in Philip Marsden's homeland of Cornwall, one of the world's great geological hotspots. Travelling eastwards into Europe, he examines how the extraction of peat propelled the Netherlands to world prominence but also imperilled its very existence. Continuing on up the Rhine by barge, into the heart of the continent, he uncovers more stories of potent and tempting resources, from iron-rich meteorites to radium and mercury, and the gold-bearing mountains of Georgia. At the same time he explores precious seams of ideas, from science to alchemy, mysticism to ecology - and those questing souls who pursued them, like Paracelsus, the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II, Goethe, William Blake and Marie Curie.Rich with revelations, Under A Metal Sky traces the dazzling achievements and dark consequences of our ability to extract what we want from the earth, and presents a fascinating new perspective on European history and on our troubled relationship with the natural world.
Blister
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Club Nola
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives.
InsightInkwell
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Sassy Muffin
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Serendipity
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Redneck Giorgio
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Gothic Slacker
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
57 Pixels
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Bug Fire
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360
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Night Train
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Unseen
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Gullyway
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Disco Potato
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience.
Twiddle Twix
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Scare Stone
📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Blackfire
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Blue Despair
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback.
Dahlia Bumble
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Trick Baron
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience